Agent for Shaun Rogers expresses concerns to Cleveland Browns

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerNose tackle Shaun Rogers, pictured last season against Buffalo, became the Browns' second defensive Pro Bowl selection since the team returned in 1999.

CLEVELAND --- The agent for disgruntled Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers said Wednesday that he's been in contact with the team, but would not say if Rogers has asked to be traded or released.

"I can't confirm or deny that," said agent Kennard McGuire. "My conversation with them is going to stay between us and we're going to govern accordingly from there."

McGuire stressed that "there are no financial or contract concerns on our behalf."

A Browns source said that as of Tuesday afternoon, Rogers had not asked to be traded or released and that coach Eric Mangini was trying to reach out to Rogers to try to resolve the misunderstanding.

The source said Mangini is confident that the situation can be rectified when the two parties have a chance to talk and that Mangini values Rogers very highly and wants him on the team.

Another source confirmed a report on nfl.com that Rogers is upset about two separate incidents when he felt he was snubbed by Mangini. The first was when Mangini failed to say hello to him in the training room at the Browns facility and the second was at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Jan. 23 when both men were in the media room at the same time but did not acknowledge each other.

Rogers, who capped off his season by making the Pro Bowl, is also upset about a larger issue, the nature of which is unknown. But most of it boils down to a lack of communication, sources said.

Rogers' concerns are very serious and not something that's been blown out of proportion, those close to him said. If the matter is not resolved to his satisfaction, he probably will ask to be traded or released.

As it is, Rogers has asked the Browns not to pay his guaranteed $6 million option bonus next month, according to nfl.com's Adam Schefter, and he would rather be released after only one season despite the fact he's still owed $15 million in guaranteed money.

One bone of contention is that more than a month passed after the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards Ceremony without any word from Mangini about the media-room slight. Even after it was brought to the attention of the Browns that Rogers was very upset and that there was a sense of urgency, he never heard from the coach.

Mangini explained during a press conference Feb. 4 that he didn't mean to disrespect his star defensive player.

"I didn't even realize Shaun was there at the time," said Mangini. "I know that's probably hard to believe considering how big he is and how big I am. It's like two destroyers missing each other."

Mangini went on to wish Rogers well in the Pro Bowl that upcoming weekend, but seemed to know that trouble might be brewing. Mangini said Rogers would have a chance to talk to Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins, a huge Mangini supporter, at the Pro Bowl.

"Shaun will be able to ask Kris some questions about me," said Mangini. "Kris and I had a great relationship and I think that'll be good."

Mangini also praised Rogers' immense talent.

"I've really enjoyed watching him on tape," said Mangini. "I always appreciate a 360-pound nose guard that's powerful and destructive and has a high motor."

He explained that he hadn't talked to most of the players yet because he was planning lengthy one-on-one meetings with each of them when the off-season weight program begins in mid-March.

"That's really important to me," said Mangini.

But it might be too late to save his relationship with Rogers, only the second Browns Pro Bowl defensive player since 1995.

Mangini said he's proud of the relationship he had with his Jets players, as evidenced by how many of them supported him after he was fired. He said he expected to have the same kind of relationship with his players here.

"Anytime somebody new comes in, there's a process of getting to know that person," Mangini said. "I feel really comfortable with who I am and the things I do. Anytime you come into a new environment, the changes take some getting used to."

Mangini had to win over Jets receiver Laveranues Coles when he first arrived in New York in 2006. He flew to Coles' home in Jacksonville, Fla. last off-season to help resolve a contract dispute. Mangini, according to the Browns source, is confident he can help Rogers realize that he was busy assembling his staff, and preparing for the draft and free agency, and that he didn't mean to put Rogers off.

Acquired in a trade with the Lions last off-season for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick, Rogers signed a six-year, $42 million deal that extended his contract by three years through 2013. It included $20 million in guarantees and a total of $23 million over the first three years.

Rogers appeared rejuvenated last season when he recorded 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a team-high 15 pressures en route to his third career Pro Bowl.

The Browns would take a $9.7 million salary cap hit if they cut Rogers, according to nfl.com, but sources said they have no intentions of releasing him.